Numerous businesses told Eastern Maine Electric they received a fraudulent collection call Friday from someone claiming to be the local electric utility. In at least one instance, the caller ID actually said “Eastern Maine Electric.” The scammers try to get a fast payment before their target has time to realize something is wrong. Similar scams have been run across the United States and Canada in the past few years.
Eastern Maine Electric offers the following advice and information to business or residential Co-op members who suspect they are receiving a fraudulent collection call:
• A local electric utility won’t threaten disconnection at a certain time of day.
• If your account is past due and you are honoring a payment arrangement, you should not get a collection call.
• Don’t rely on caller ID, which can easily be faked these days.
• A legitimate collection call should not come as a surprise. The disconnection process involves a past due bill and a disconnect notice by mail.
• If the collection call is legitimate, the caller may ask for your name, but they will be able to look up your account and confirm information no one else should have, such as a recent payment date and amount, your account number, or your email address on file with the utility.
• Co-op members can check their account balances twenty-four hours a day online at www.emec.com com or through the automated option at the Cooperative’s main phone number at (800) 696-7444.
Eastern Maine Electric encourages its members to pursue their doubts if something seems wrong with any telephone call or online inquiry.
